Malindi★
Malindi is a historic port town 120 km north of Mombasa with a fascinating history: Even Vasco da Gama landed here in 1498 on his way to India. The Vasco-da-Gama Pillar at the cape is one of Africa's oldest European monuments.
Sights
- Malindi Marine National Park: Kenya's oldest marine park (1968), ideal for snorkeling from glass-bottom boats. Coral reefs, colorful fish, turtles
- Vasco-da-Gama Pillar: The coral cross from 1499 overlooks the Indian Ocean
- Gede Ruins: The mysterious ruins of a medieval Swahili town in the jungle — abandoned in the 17th century, reasons unknown. Mosques, palaces, and houses, overgrown by baobabs
- Falconry of Kenya: Bird of prey sanctuary with eagles, owls, and falcons
- Italian Community: Malindi has a large Italian expat community — hence there are excellent Italian restaurants and pizzerias
Malindi is rougher and less polished than Diani or Watamu, but it has more authenticity and history. The beaches at Silversands are beautiful, but the water is often murkier than in Watamu or Diani (river mouth).
